SF tech company criticized for advertising what some call an app for '1-click layoffs'

An ad for Rippling has received criticism for advertising what some call "1-click layoffs."

An ad for Rippling has received criticism for advertising what some call "1-click layoffs."

Photo: SFGATE

Photo: SFGATE

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An ad for Rippling has received criticism for advertising what some call "1-click layoffs."

An ad for Rippling has received criticism for advertising what some call "1-click layoffs."

Photo: SFGATE

SF tech company criticized for advertising what some call an app for '1-click layoffs'

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The goal of Rippling is to eliminate time-consuming paperwork and manual processes for HR and IT workers. But new ads placed at bus stops around San Francisco have some wondering if over-automating is facilitating a flippant attitude about terminating employees.

The ads feature text reading "HR, IT, and Done." with a cursor selecting between two buttons. One reads "Send severance to Alex" and the other reads "Send offer letter to Alex 2.0."

In response to the complaints, a spokesperson for Rippling told SFGATE Thursday that the company would be removing the ads.

"We felt this ad was about the administrative burden, both on companies and their employees, whenever someone joins or leaves a company," the spokesperson wrote in an email. "But, we understand the reaction and we're taking it down."